The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned that outdated legislation is hampering its ability to shield consumers from unethical business practices. While presenting to the Public Accounts Standing Committee on Social Affairs, the council focused on the Consumer Council of Fiji Act, 1976, arguing that it has not been amended enough to meet modern consumer needs and enforcement requirements. Members of the committee asked which parts of the Act the council wants to revise. Council Chief Executive Seema Shandil said the current law restricts their powers to compel businesses to provide information, leaving them unable to make fully informed decisions. She emphasized that the Act is under review and that new policy directions must align with these changes. The council has already begun reviewing the Act and has shared some recommendations with the line minister and the permanent secretary. The council urged the review to move swiftly, warning that without stronger laws, consumers will remain exposed to unethical business practices.
Context and analysis:
– Related reform efforts in Fiji are broader in nature. Fellow articles indicate ongoing work to modernize consumer protection frameworks, including discussions around naming and shaming when unethical practices are found in the marketplace.
– Some of these reforms target transparency in business practices, with government and regulatory bodies exploring provisions that would allow for public identification of offending businesses, particularly in areas like food safety and financial services.
– The Consumer Council has highlighted a pattern of complaints across sectors, underscoring the need for stronger powers to investigate and hold businesses to account. This aligns with wider calls for enhancing regulatory oversight of activities such as unlicensed lending and food safety compliance.
– Ongoing discussions show a collaborative approach among the Consumer Council, the Ministry of Trade, and other state actors to close regulatory gaps and foster a fairer marketplace for Fiji’s consumers.
What this could mean for readers:
– If enacted, the revised Act could grant the Council greater access to information from businesses, improving oversight and decision-making.
– Broader legislative changes under consideration may enhance transparency and accountability across sectors, potentially reducing unethical practices and improving consumer trust.
– Consumers might see quicker responses to complaints and clearer protections as enforcement tools become stronger.
Summary:
The Fiji Consumer Council is pushing for modernization of the Consumer Council Act to empower it with stronger information-gathering powers as part of a broader shift toward greater transparency and accountability in the marketplace.
Possible positive framing:
This push signals a proactive move by Fiji’s regulators and consumer advocates to strengthen protections, reduce exploitation, and create a fairer, more trustworthy shopping environment for all Fijians.
Notes for editors:
– Consider linking this article to ongoing coverage of related reforms, such as proposals to publicly name and shame offending businesses and any cross-agency collaboration aimed at tightening food safety and financial regulations.
– If relevant, include updates from the Public Accounts Standing Committee on Social Affairs regarding the timeline and specific amendment proposals for the Consumer Council Act.
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